Hello. Got back from vacation. Feeling sick. Dorothy was not doing well. Long story short we spent yesterday at the ER. She is fine and almost better. Just some dehydration and stomach issues. The reason they sent us there was b/c she had fallen the day b/f and then threw up a couple times. Just making sure she had no head injuries. She didn't talk at all and wouldn't stay awake...very scary thinking it was her head and as weird as it sounds glad it was just dehydration. She has already guzzled pedialite, water, and juice. All is well now, Praise God!

I am also having picture issues. I miss posting pictures and I myself prefer reading posts with pictures, so forgive me while I work out the camera/picture problems.

So because I am just getting back to this blog after a week off, I'll extend the time to comment. And here is a link to what you are commenting for. Not this exact one but a smaller one like it!

Leave a comment!

I get to spend the next few days with these people. See you next week!

DON'T FORGET: Leave a comment between now and midnight Tuesday, August 19th and I'll put your name in a drawing for one of my handmade fall purses.

My new favorite ideas...

There is a blog that I really like called the Motherload. She has great tips on family life, motherhood, and home keeping but all on a shoestring budget...one of my favorite things she does is her weekly notebook. On her notebook post she shares links to all kinds of great things that she has seen on the internet, cool projects for her or her kids, and recipes... She also has a section on meal plans for eating well while shopping at Aldi's.

So, inspired and blessed by the Motherload Mom Advice Blog, here is a little collection of my newest favorite ideas that I have seen around the web lately.

• Alabama Studio Style. It's all about sustainability and style. I have always loved making things from old clothes and repurposing them. This is what they are all about! I knew there was this great book but I just stumbled onto the blog today!

• GirlTalk Blog has been sharing a lot about homemaking and it has been a blessing. Here is a great list of books I want to read up on.

• VanillaJoy posted her reflections on her first year of motherhood. I am about to hit that milestone myself! I love how she wrote "So I’ve learned that with motherhood, “productivity” cannot be measured or even detected sometimes. How much I visibly accomplish in a day is no indication of my sucess as a mother - another unique characteristic of motherhood."

• Tried this Pasta with Lentils and Arugula from Everyday Food. We use penne and big juicy tomatoes from our CSA. It was so good.
  

• I bought some of this fabric (in red and white) to make D's birthday dress. She and Levi are having a ladybug/bumblebee birthday party next week!

That's my list for now!!! I think we'll have a drawing soon. You better start posting.

And today's looking back at Dorothy's first year picture is below:

Five days old, going home from the hospital.

And the first winner is...

...Alice Huff. My Aunt Alice! She won this medium sized shoulder bag that is a version of the beach bag I made for Melinda's show! It is made with two decorator fabrics, lined with interfacing, quilted straps and a magnetic snap.

Thanks for everybody's comments and keep them coming! All who were left in the drawing will go on to the next drawing. You can post as often as you like.

Cultivate Beauty 2

We bought a lawn mower and I think I'll kinda miss our fuzzy dandelions.

I'm keeping the fuzzy dandelion in the back though, you know the one wearing pink polka dots.

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In other news...I have many faithful readers but few who post. Ceece is of course my most faithful poster, but sometimes she's my only one. Sooo, guess what! If you start posting then I'll enter you in a drawing for something handmade! Starting today, anytime you post I'll enter your name into a hat that I will periodically draw from and award you with a prize! I think this first drawing will be a purse so you better get posting!!!
I'll announce the winner next Monday, May 12 (Hey that's Carrie and JQ's anniversary)


My rules are this:
1. This month comment, on cultivating beauty, ie. what are you doing creatively to worship God
2. Make sure to put your name so I know who you are!